Practical English Grammar I MODALS Practice sheet 3
1 Choose the most suitable words underlined.
a) I don't think you `could/should' tell anyone yet.
b) I `couldn't/shouldn't' possibly leave without paying.
c) That `mustn't/can't' be the hotel Jane told us about.
d) There are times when the traffic here `can/could' be really heavy.
e) We are enjoying our holiday, though the weather `could/must' be better.
f) You `couldn't/shouldn't really' be sitting here.
g) You `could/may' be older than me, but that doesn't mean you're cleverer.
h) I `might/should' suppose your job is rather difficult.
i) I'm afraid that nobody `should/would' help me in that kind of situation.
j) No member of the association `must/shall' remove official documents from these premises without written permission.
2 Put one suitable word in each space.
a) Quite honestly, you might as well not bother.
b) It's ---- that you should know Wendy too!
c) You ---- better not take any more medicine now.
d) All students ---- report to the registrar's office on arrival.
e) How about going to the lake? We ---- take a cold lunch with us.
f) If I say you have to do it, you ---- do it!
g) I'm not sure about my application ---- . I send two copies or three?
h) ---- that really be Paula's husband? He looks so young.
i) This ---- be the place I suppose, but it doesn't look like it.
j) Both the clocks say 4.30, so that ---- be the time.
3 Rewrite each sentence beginning as shown, so that the meaning stays the same.
a) Although you are in charge, it doesn't give you the right to be rude.
You may be in charge, but it doesn't give you the right to be rude.
b) I recommend going to Brighton for a week,
I think ----
c) It's typical of Steve to lose his keys!
Steve would ----
d) I suppose Kate is quite well off.
I should ----
e) I am as happy as possible at the moment.
I couldn't ----
f) Although I tried hard, I couldn't lift the suitcase.
Try ----
g) I'm sure that Peter will be on time.
Peter is ----
h) Fancy you and I having the same surname!
It's odd ----
i) If I were you I'd take up jogging.
I think ----
j) Do we have to leave so early?
Need ----
4 Rewrite each sentence so that it contains the word in capitals, and so that the meaning stays the same.
a) I expect this beach will be deserted. SHOULD 'This beach should be deserted.'
b) This climb is possibly dangerous. COULD
----
c) Arthur is sometimes really irritating! CAN
----
d) You can't borrow my car! WON'T
----
e) How about going to the theatre instead? COULD
----
f) Do you want me to turn off the oven, or not? SHOULD
----
g) I don't think Harry is likely to resign. WOULD
----
h) I'm sure this isn't the way to Norwich. CAN'T
----
i) It would be all the same if we gave up now. MIGHT
----
j) Please turn off the light before leaving. SHOULD
----
5 Choose the sentence closest in meaning to the sentence given.
a) It's possible that we'll know the answers tomorrow.
A) We may know all the answers tomorrow. B) We should know all the answers tomorrow.
b) I don't think you should ring him now. It's rather late.
A) You might not ring him now. It's rather late. B) You'd better not ring him now. It's rather late.
c) You needn't come if you don't want to.
A) You won't come if you don't want to. B) You don't have to come if you don't want to.
d) I think it's wrong for you to work so hard.
A) You don't have to work so hard. B) You shouldn't work so hard.
e) Perhaps these are the keys.
A) These might be the keys. B) These must be the keys.
f) I know. Why don't we go out to eat instead.
A) I know. We must go out to eat instead. B) I know. We could go out to eat instead.
g) It would be quite wrong for us to lock the cat in the house for a week.
A) We'd better not lock the cat in the house for a week. B) We can't lock the cat in the house for a week.
h) It's possible that the decision will be announced next week.
A) The decision might be announced next week. B) The decision will be announced next week.
i) Although I try hard, I can never solve The Times crossword.
Try as I may, I can never solve The Times crossword. B) Try as I can, I may never solve The Times crossword.
6 Complete each sentence with a suitable word or phrase.
a) How funny that you should say that!
b) The heating comes on automatically. You ---- turn it on.
c) The people here ---- be really unfriendly.
d) Of course I'll help! I ---- possibly let you do it on your own.
e) The team ---- good without Sue at centre-forward.
f) Of course you can't sleep if you ---- drink so much coffee!
g) It's a lovely hotel. And the staff ---- more helpful.
h) You ---- be very critical sometimes.
i) George ---- it there if he has stayed there for so long.
j) You ---- right, but I still don't agree with you!
7 Rewrite each sentence so that it contains the word in capitals, and so that the meaning stays the same.
a) I'm sure that's Marion. WILL 'That'll be Marion.'
b) Jim keeps giving me presents. WILL
----
c) It makes no difference if we call it off. MAY
----
d) Don't bother lying to me. HAVE
----
e) The burglar might come back, so change all the locks. CASE
----
f) Although it's summer, the temperature is more like winter. MAY
----
g) You should leave before Jack gets back. HAD
----
h) That is not typical of Helen's behaviour. WOULDN
----
i) It would be impossible to tell Sally the truth. POSSIBLY
8 Complete each sentence with a suitable word or phrase.
a)What about this meat? `Should/Shall' I roast it or stew it?
b)Thank you for offering but I ---- possibly accept.
c)Harry studies a lot. He ---- know all the answers.
d)Oh well, things ---- much worse I suppose.
e)It's no use waiting here. We ---- well start walking.
f)Jack refuses. He says it's wrong and he ---- do it.
g)Any letters from Italy ---- be for Tina.
h)Cairo ---- be quite cold in winter.
i)I love these trees. Without them the garden ---- the same.
j)Rule 6. No member ---- enter the bar area wearing sports kit.